Businessman bids £90k to play golf with Donald Trump

Donald Trump. Picture: PA

FRANK URQUHART

A WEALTHY American businessman has bid almost £90,000 to play golf with Donald Trump at his Menie golf resort in Aberdeenshire.

Palm Beach-based businessman John Scarpa pledged £87,000 for the round at Menie and a trip on Trump’s private Boeing 757 jet at a fund raising dinner and ball for the Palm Beach Police Foundation, held at the billionaire’s Mar-A-Lago club in Florida.

Mr Scarpa, who is a member at the Trump International Golf Club at Palm Beach, plans to make the trip to Scotland with three friends.

He said:”Somehow he (Trump) will figure out a way to win. I just hope the golf gods will be with me this time. But he’s a far better golfer than me.

“I will wait for Mr Trump to clear his schedule. As long we he will tolerate us we will stay.”

Mr Scarpa, who is president of The Palm Beach Police Foundation, added: “It’s the number one course in the world. I have not played on the course yet and that’s part of the excitement. He does things to perfection and that’s why his golf courses are so amazing.”

Sarah Malone, executive vice-president of Trump International Golf Links Scotland, said: “Mr Scarpa’s bid is fabulous and we’re looking forward to welcoming him. The feedback from the States and further afield has been incredible – our bookings are substantially up on this time last year.”

She added: “We had an outstanding first season that attracted a staggering level of coverage in the global golf press and media. The reviews and endorsement by acclaimed golfers, critics and raters is generating great excitement and increased demand to play the course. The North east of Scotland has become the hottest destination in golf, and we’re seeing a huge surge in interest from overseas tour operators and travel agent to bring people to Aberdeenshire.”

The fu8nd raising ball was also attended by Rod Stewart who raised $55,000 by donating a trip from his Los Angeles home, on his private jet, to his Las Vegas show. The rock star’s wife, model Penny Lancaster, threw in an afternoon tea and tour of their home, generating an extra $55,000 for the charity.